This medication may be used in combination with antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers caused by bacterial infection (H. pylori).

Prilosec is also used for preventing/treating damage to the stomach and upper part of the intestine caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prilosec directly shuts down many active pumps over time that make acid, but leaves enough acid for digestion, with one pill a day, and can relieve heartburn at the source for up to 24 hours with one pill a day.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label or the package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Prilosec exactly as directed.

Prilosec capsules should be taken before eating. Swallow the delayed-release Prilosec capsules, the regular capsules, and the nonprescription delayed-release tablets whole; do not split, open, chew or crush them. Do not crush the nonprescription delayed-release tablets in food and do not open the regular capsules and mix the contents with food.

Your doctor may prescribe Prilosec for 10-14 days to eliminate H. pylori or for 4-8 weeks or longer to treat other conditions. Continue to take Prilosec even if you feel well. Do not stop taking prescription Prilosec without talking to your doctor.

If you forget a dose of Prilosec, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medicine at room temperature and away from light, excess heat, and moisture.

Precautions

Tell your doctor before taking Prilosec, if:

you are allergic to Prilosec or other medicines;
you have or have ever had liver disease;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.